January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Monny2AE]

This is totally , but I have a carseat question for all of you. In Texas, the new law says that kids 5 & up, and 40" and up are exempt from riding in a car seat. Well, Gracie is 5(6in april) and a good bit over 40". She is in a booster now with the back on it. I think it's starting to get uncomfortable to her(maybe where your knees bend?) because she's been talking about 'needing a new one'. I know when she came out of her Britax, I took her out of it, because her legs were so long it hit the backs of her legs funny. Do you think she should even be in a car seat? I mean, the only other option really, is just a backless booster, but they are the same as what she's in, only backless?....Just curious what you all have as state guidelines, and if I should just take her out of it. I know some states are raising height requirements to 4'9"....one of my best friends is barely 4'10"!!! I am 5' 2", so that doesn't leave much leeway!!! Maybe all of us shorties will be needing one in a couple of years!!!

My friend is a shock trauma nurse here in MD and after hearing some of the horrifying stories she comes home with...my kids will be in boosters until they are 30 if I have anything to say about it. I'm actually debating on buying a 5 point harness Graco Nautilus for my son. He's hit the 40lb mark and his current car seat is only rated to 40 with the harness then it switches to be a booster using the regular seatbelt. DH thinks the regular seatbelt wit hteh booster is sufficient. I drive a little Ford Focus which worries me when I'm out there driving past bigger cars. My pediatrician recommends keeping them with a 5 point until they are 60 lbs. That said, my kids are above average when it comes to height (70-80percentile) and just slightly above average for weight (60th percentile) I can see how it would be difficult to keep your older kids in 5point or in a seat at all if they are a bit on the smaller side.

 

[MelXThree]

I just finally got all my pics loaded on the computer and my sister emailed all hers to me...I have over 800 pics to sort and go through!!! My photopass cd should arrive next week so then I'll have those too. Yikes!
I can't wait to start scrapbooking them though. I just started digital scrapbooking and I can't decide if I want to do it the old fashioned way or on the computer? Digital is cheaper and much faster so I'll probably do it that way. Perhaps a hybrid album?

I was thinking about doing digital as well but I can't find anywhere to print 12x12 pages? I am in Canada so maybe it's diffrent here but I don't want to do them and then not be able to print them

 

[trixiequilts]

I was thinking about doing digital as well but I can't find anywhere to print 12x12 pages? I am in Canada so maybe it's diffrent here but I don't want to do them and then not be able to print them

Costco and Creative Memories Photo Center do them. I don't know about Canada though. Good luck!

 

[crzyred]

Booster Seats:

WI actually changed/updated our laws a couple of years ago. These are the most recent changes.

3. Booster seat is required when the child:
o Is at least 4-years-old but less than 8-years-old
o Weighs at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds
o Is not 57-inches (4-feet, 9-inches) or taller.
4. Safety belt is required when the child:
o Is 8-years-old or older or
o Weighs 80 or more pounds or
o Is 57-inches or taller


*Funny thing...I have a friend who is 4-10 and weighs 90 lbs. At one point she had a doctor tell her that she should be in a booster seat...She was 20 at the time... .

 

[Dancegrl624]

Good morning all! Or should I say afternoon? Oh well. My DD is in a booster seat with the back still attached. In NY, I think it's the whole 4'9" and under 8 years old thing. My DD is not even 40 lbs and is 44 inches tall, so she'll be in one for quite awhile! We brought just the bottom down with us to WDW and now that's all she wants to use. I would let her, but the seat belt cuts into her neck a little bit too much without the back attached. We'll just have to wait and see!

So, the buy 4 get 3 nights free deal was extended to Aug 15th. I'm still trying to convince me DH that we should go at the end of August. I know, I know...it's super hot at that time, but that's what my DH loves. Heat. Me, not so much, but I can put up with it for a week. I'm not going to push it though. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for free dining!!!!

 

[jenjolt]

I know people have mentioned free dining pins have been released!!! I'm going at the end of September but 40% is going to be a lot better for me and my friend.

Oooh..I keep forgetting to go ahead and order my prints I need to do that soon, I have a major crop coming up and I want to get a lot done WHOOHOO!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I was just discussing boosters last night with some neighbors. I know in MN after 8 you don't need them (DD is about to turn 8 and wants out!), but I have to check if there is a height or weight restriction. She's pretty short (about 4 ft). She uses a backless one with the regular seat belt and it fits pretty good. DD5 is using one with a back with the seatbelt.

Back to work today It's gray and dreary out too, so I'm NOT in the mood to be here. I uploaded my pictures and put them on my ipod so I can look at them! Makes me feel better!

 

[MelXThree]

Costco and Creative Memories Photo Center do them. I don't know about Canada though. Good luck!

The Costco here doesn't and I don't think we have a Creative Memories Photo Center here - I have never heard of them. Gezz you would think us Canadians lived a sheltered life I think I should start up a company that prints 12x12's in Canada I would be one rich snowbird. Maybe I could buy into DVC with all my profits

 

[Mndisneygirl]

car seat update: I just checked MN law (it is my job after all to research law!) and found out that it only required to have a child under 4 in a car seat!! I thought they had changed that, but apparently not. I know the experts recommend until 8 years old or 80 lbs or 4'9". My kids won't be that big until they're 14! I'm just going to stick with 8 and if they can sit comfortably with the seatbelt shoulder strap in the right place. The kids don't have to know what the law actually says!

 

[Kazooie01]

Hi everyone. New York State Law for Safety Seats is as follows-

1. The law requires children under the age of four to be restrained in a federally approved car seat when riding in a motor vehicle [Section 1229-c(1), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

2. If the weight of a child under the age of 4 exceeds 40 pounds, the child may be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system, allowing the child to use a booster seat. Children ages 4, 5,and 6 must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system, one for which your child meets the weight and height recommendations of the child restraint manufacturer. [Section 1229-c(1), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law] A child safety seat or harness/vest or booster seat may be used.

3. The vehicle's safety belts are not defined as a child restraint system, as safety belts are not designed for children under 4'9" and therefore, do not protect young children.

Looks like the laws are pretty similar across the board.

And those hoping for free dining pin codes, my Husband and I both received one over the weekend. Good luck to everyone waiting for one. Keep your fingers crossed.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I remember last year when we were in FL and we rented a car, I had reserved car seats for the kids, and they told me we didn't need them for over 4 years old.

What are the dates of the free dining pin codes people are getting?

 

[Kazooie01]

I remember last year when we were in FL and we rented a car, I had reserved car seats for the kids, and they told me we didn't need them for over 4 years old.

What are the dates of the free dining pin codes people are getting?

For stays most nights 8/16/09–10/1/09.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Thanks! We're looking later in fall. I'll keep hoping!

 

[Dancegrl624]

For stays most nights 8/16/09–10/1/09.

Those are the same dates I got with my pin code, but it's not for free dining. At least I don't think so...it doesn't say anything about free dining. It gives me a price for 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child for a 5day/4night stay at a value resort. It says it includes park tickets (not hoppers) and most meals. Sound familiar to anyone??

 

[trixiequilts]

Those are the same dates I got with my pin code, but it's not for free dining. At least I don't think so...it doesn't say anything about free dining. It gives me a price for 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child for a 5day/4night stay at a value resort. It says it includes park tickets (not hoppers) and most meals. Sound familiar to anyone??

What the heck does "most meals" mean? Most meals as in one CS, one TS, and one snack per day???

 

[Dancegrl624]

What the heck does "most meals" mean? Most meals as in one CS, one TS, and one snack per day???

It doesn't say, so it's a bit confusing.

 

[trixiequilts]

It doesn't say, so it's a bit confusing.

You haven't called yet?

 

[Dancegrl624]

You haven't called yet?

I was ready to call the instant I got that email! However, my DH needs more convincing. At the bottom of the email, it says when you call, you can request different resorts and lengths of stay. I don't know if 5 days is enough for me.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I was ready to call the instant I got that email! However, my DH needs more convincing. At the bottom of the email, it says when you call, you can request different resorts and lengths of stay. I don't know if 5 days is enough for me.

This was our first time for more than 5 days (6) and I was so happy!! unfortunately, I don't think our next one will be as long if we combine with the 3 day cruise. But that's okay, I keep going back!! I'll be happy with 3 or 4 at the parks and the cruise!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm shooting for 8 nights/9 days next time! Saturday until the following Sunday!

That might be a pretty hard goal to reach though considering I NEVER get these pin codes everyone else gets.